When I first started feeding my puppy raw, I thought it would be simple — just give him fresh meat, and he’d thrive. But within a few weeks, I learned that raw feeding a puppy comes with its own set of lessons, mistakes, and adjustments. Some things worked beautifully, while others left me scrambling for advice from my vet.
Here’s the honest breakdown of what worked (and what didn’t) when I transitioned my puppy to raw meals.
What Worked When Feeding My Puppy Raw
1. Balanced Meals From Day One
Unlike adult dogs, puppies can’t “catch up” on missing nutrients later. Every bowl counts. My vet stressed the importance of balancing muscle meat, organ, bone, and fat at each meal. Once I followed that formula, I saw steadier growth and better digestion.
2. Grinding and Mincing Proteins
At first, I tried small chunks of meat — but grinding turkey, beef, and chicken into a finer texture made digestion much smoother for my puppy.
3. Variety Early On
Rotating proteins (chicken, beef, turkey, fish) reduced picky eating habits later and helped cover nutritional gaps.
4. Slow Transitions
I didn’t ditch kibble overnight. Instead, I blended raw into meals gradually. This avoided stomach upsets and gave my puppy time to adapt.
What Didn’t Work (And Why I Changed It)
1. Too Much Bone
I started with chicken wings, thinking “chewing builds strength.” Instead, my pup ended up constipated. I learned to control calcium with ground bone or powder instead.
2. Overloading on Liver
I thought organ meats were a superfood (and they are) — but too much caused loose stools. Small amounts worked better.
3. Letting Growth Happen Too Fast
Puppies, especially large breeds, should grow steadily. At one point, I overfed, and my vet warned me that rapid growth could stress developing joints. Since then, I’ve kept portions moderate.
For example, if you’re raising a Lab or another large breed, you’ll want to read Best Raw Food for Large Breed Puppies. Those lessons saved me from repeating mistakes.
FAQ – Can I start raw feeding a puppy immediately after weaning?
Yes, but carefully. Puppies can be introduced to raw as soon as they’re weaned, provided the meals are balanced and finely ground. Always introduce one protein at a time, and watch for any digestive changes before expanding variety.
Raw Feeding Puppies Is a Learning Curve
Feeding a puppy raw isn’t just about putting fresh meat in a bowl — it’s about balance, patience, and careful observation. What I discovered is that success comes from adjusting along the way: less bone, moderate organ meats, and steady growth instead of rapid changes.
Every puppy is different, but the principles remain the same. Start balanced, transition slowly, and don’t be afraid to learn from mistakes. Done right, raw feeding can set your puppy up for stronger bones, a shinier coat, and a healthier future.